DAY #186: Acts 4:23-37

In the face of persecution, the believers spontaneously joined in prayer to acknowledge God’s sovereign control. This appeal to the God of creation shows that God, who had power to create the universe, will have power over their enemies. Everything in heaven and earth is subject to God and his will.

The group’s prayer cited Psalm 2, a messianic hymn written by King David. Psalm 2 describes the rebellion of the nations and the coming of Christ to establish his eternal reign. Chosen and anointed by God, David knew that God would fulfill his promise to bring the Messiah into the world through his bloodline (2 Samuel 7:16; 1 Chronicles 17:11-12).

In fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 2, kings and rulers had gathered against the Messiah. Herod Antipas ruled over the territory of Galilee. Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor over Judea who had bowed to pressure from the mob of Gentiles and the people of Israel in Jerusalem. All of these had conspired against Jesus, God’s anointed.

While it seemed that Satan had gotten the upper hand when the Son of God was crucified on the cross, in reality everything occurred according to God’s eternal will and plan. The believers declared that God is the sovereign Lord of all events; he rules history to fulfill his purpose. What his will determines, his power carries out. No army, government, or council can stand in God’s way.

The believers did not pray that God would remove the threats, take away the possibility of persecution, or even protect them. Instead, they prayed that God would give the believers, his servants, great boldness in their preaching. They also asked for displays of power to confirm their message. These believers were not afraid to ask God for great power and wonders in order that his name would be glorified.

God’s answer of the apostles’ prayer was both swift and powerful. When the building shook, the believers realized that God had not only heard their prayer, but he also was pleased with it. The believers received a fresh filling with the Holy Spirit, which renewed their courage to go out and preach God’s message with boldness, just as they had requested.

The believers willingly shared everything they had, not holding tightly to possessions.
Differences of opinion are inevitable among human personalities and can actually be helpful if handled well. But spiritual unity is essential—loyalty, commitment, and love for God and his word. Without spiritual unity, the church could not survive.

The early church was able to share possessions and property as a result of the unity brought by the Holy Spirit working in and through the believers’ lives. This way of living is different from communism because the sharing was voluntary, didn’t involve all private property but only as much as was needed, and was not a membership requirement in order to be a part of the church. The spiritual unity and generosity of these early believers attracted others to them.


SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

The power of prayer. Oh Lord, there is so much that needs to happen. Lord, move ion the heats of your people. Pour out Your Holy Spirit on this valley. Pour out Your spirit on our church. Today Lord, I ask You, for Your glory - not mine - not anybody elses - draw people to COV this morning. Every heart that hears Your message, give them the courage to respond as You would have them.

So many people scared Lord. So many people hurting. Lord, meet their needs. Heal their lives. Bring peace to their souls.

"To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. 2 Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place." Psalms 28:1-2 (NIV)

"Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalms 28:6-7 (NIV)